HBO Documentary Films: Prom Night In Mississippi (HBO)

[free2saywhatever]

isn't as simple as to just tell white population to "forget their differences". It goes much deeper; it is rooted in the ancestral history. A lot of white parents helped many of the black families but did not allow them to mingle with those families kids, it is not about just racism here. The issue is much more complex. It is about upbringing and traditions. I can write a whole essay on this but to end it: both races must make changes not just one! This movie is def. a lil biased.

[lovingit1000]

@free2saywhatever - There's no more different ancestral history between blacks and whites as there are between the Finnish and the Greeks. If we cared about ancestral history, we'd group ourselves into thousands of groups. Those who brought the Africans here weren't concerned about "ancestral history" because if they were they'd have seen tribes instead of just color. And, everyone needs to make changes, yes. Just like both Christians and Muslims need to make changes and not just one.

[Bobownsu1]

the director of this movie came to our school during may, which was really cool. Never knew racism still exists in some parts of the U.S

[killian694]

0:42 wow shes...erm

[jackburton2009]

Don't you think it's curious why they would care what a small town does if the majority of the country is integrated. They just can't stand for White people to have something of their own, it's really an assault against Whites.

[redd1911]

@jackburton2009 It's racist people like you that hate to see the world grow. Have you not had enough things of your own long enough. If God intended for you to have every and all things white, don't you think he would have created it that way. You are the type of person that keep this cycle of hate and seperation revolving generation after generation. At the end of the day we are all human, not human and alien. The size of the town should not matter. Treat people the way you want to be treated.

[m3xicanSuperman]

i think this movie opened a lot of people's eyes

[arie624]

I'm from alabama and if u were to ask someone who lives there if it's racist or whatever they will say no.......but it is . I think that it might be like that in mississippi too. Not everywhere but, its still there. When you go that far south no one has to say anything but, its there.....Its just a fake hospitality but it's still there.

[Jnewman161616]

i grew up in mississippi..graduated high school and junior college in mississippi.. and this stuff doesnt exist for the most part.. my school didnt have two seperate proms.. i cant tell you a school that did.. racism exist in every state..i lived in seattle for a couple yrs and racism existed there.. ive seen it everywhere.. ppl need to realize mississippi isnt as backwoods as you might think.. i love mississippi!..

[johanasfav]

@Jnewman161616

yeah racism is everywhere but theres just no getting around the fact mississippi is populated mainly by retards

sorry, you come from an exceptionally stupid state

[jeffmuzk]

The public school offers a prom that is open to all students but some white parents put on a separate prom that is exclusively for their white children.

[triptoheaveandho]

i live in Mississippi...and there are some lovely people ...but there is much that is very backward....i have perosnally seen lots of homophobia ..and an underlying core of racism

[iloveuburr]

i loved this movie, it was so good/sad :(

<3

[diegoreds]

I Born & raised in Mississippi.... I am Filipino Asian & I considered to be "colored," In the Southerners eyes.... My Dad was Navy & my mom was a Nurse.... We lived very Well off, but I had to fight everyday for acceptence & the Haters.... "How many People Do you Know in Mississippi that has ever went out of state to West coast, or to north to see How different the World realy is......?????"

[january14girls]

i live in mississippi and i've never heard of anything like this mississippi people aren't all like this!!!

[BlackVeganWarrior]

@january14girls--you are right, we are all not like this; however, this still continues.

[TearyPrincess]

for real? I'm from San Francisco. This is so new to me.

[showbiz3mvp]

havent seen this yet really want to find it, do they xplain how the school was legally allowed to segregate a prom cuz i'm having a hard time figuring that part out

[southernbrotha]

This happens in rural areas. The town I lived in had a public school for blacks and a private one for whites. If we followed what the district says all kids would go to the same school. It was a eye opener as a child that I lived 5 mins from a friend of mine that happened to be white. An we had separate schools. I know it's your choice to place your child in a public or private school. But to do it because you don't want your child to be around another race is dumb. Black or White.

[littlelu0809]

uhh im from south mississippi and i had no clue that there was a black and white prom..at my school everyone was friends with everyone and we had one prom. color didnt matter.. so im confused.

[herstome5656]

@littlelu0809 Sometimes t.v. exaggerates things and we need to hear from people like you who are actually there.

[KingLocoTheGreat]

I lived in North Mississippi we never had anything just for white people or just for black people at all when i was in school but it was kinda a wierd for me being the only Dominican kid in school I kinda hung out with everybody but most Whites just thought i was a light skinned black boy that looked Native American LOL!!!!!!!! from my point of view the only people that I thought was racist was parents when it came to there kids dating interracial but nothing really bad ever happen from it

[jankren]

Mississippi, LOL!

[MrOldSlacker]

Morgan can't live in Mississippi all year long. He must spend most of his time in New York.

I like my estate here in Mississippi but, as a atheist and liberal, would love to have the money to live in Seattle 6 months out of each year.

Maybe someday.

[concrete2012]

Why people say and do what they do. We all are God children but the old ones who talking bout' Mississippi poor and black people I will pray for you all. Im from Belzoni, Ms which is one of the most racism people in the U.S. at and its not the same so enjoy life the way it is...

[pdxtone]

MS has always been the poorest and most racist state. MS & AL are the states that colluded with the KKK in 1961 to try to massacre the Freedom Riders.

[AresCitadel]

No one should laugh at this. We should be helping these poor people in Mississippi.

I remember I was driving to Florida and had to drive by Mississippi, I was shocked, it looked like Cuba.

The state has not advanced in about 100 years.

There are people running around bear foot and half of the state does not even have electricity.

They pretty much live off road kill and canned food rations from the World War Two era.

We should be sending food, books and clothing to aid these poor people.

[rebelboy1225]

So, when did you drive through Mississippi, the 1800s? I agree, MS is poor. I know because I live there.

Now, I have traveled the US and the world and I saw places in NY, PA, Mexico, etc. that are as bad, if not worse, than areas in my state.

Now, bluntly, your statements = idiotic. Do you have any idea what you said? "Road kill" "not ... have electricity" "food rations" = unbelievable.

Visit Mississippi in reality and not in deluded dreams before making blasphemous post like this.

[HailBrees17]

Mississippi is no more racist than the state you live in, but its ignorant people like you that for some odd reason think we still live like its 1962. You should be ashamed of yourself for making false accusations about a fellow state. Make sure you do research before you make yourself sound like a jackass.

[theshortladders]

I wonder if they know the difference between 'bear foot' and 'bare foot'?

[TyzRee]

... what that song at the end with the 25 in it ..

[WCTate]

I'm from Columbus, MS and I've never seen racism and hope I never do. Ya'll might think this is racism, but I don't have a problem with black people. It's black women I have a problem with because they're hitting on me and grabbing my ass and I feel so violated when they do that.

[jpsoprettie1]

Just watched the movie on HBO. I thought it was great! It is very sad to see a town in America still suffering from racial/social disadvantages. As a black woman, I have been blessed to have friends from many different races and nationalities- every continent around the world except for Australia and Antarctica. We are always learning from each other and having a great time. Could not imagine my social experience in life without them. Especially when its time to travel! : )

[DarthG496]

This kind of thing didn't happen at my high school, and I live in one of the most southern counties in Mississippi. Not saying there weren't people like that though. Oh yeah, I remember them.

[leighannlovesart]

Morgan lives in Charleston.

[drmaqueen280]

wait, this is a fake documentary..cuz why else would morgan freeman be there

lol

[polovictim]

im from gulfport,MS....its not like that at all

[Numner]

I live in Mississippi and I've never seen racism

Of course I'm only a high school freshman.

[601swagg]

Charleston is not the only city/town in MS that has separate proms...It happens all over in MS...I'm glad Morgan Freeman stepped in to shed light on a situation that has been ongoing for so long in MS

[willia3r]

There are places in Georgia that have segregated proms. A lot of white folks are still racist, despite Barack Obama's election.

[trickbaxter]

A lot of black folks are still racist, despite Barack Obama's election.

There are black-only proms, which are just as wrong as the white-only proms.

[SGMD84]

In 1000 years if humans are still on the Earth and records of our time exist, people will laugh at how ridiculous this was, since everyone will basically be a different shade of beige lol

[adelaideonaplane]

@SGMD84 unless genocide occurs in the next hundred years...

[kmoroyalty]

i just watched this shocking documentary on HBO. i am a young black woman, who currently resides in Gautier, MS, moving from San Diego, CA. The first week staying here was a total culture SHOCK!! here & surrounding areas seem to disconnect themselves from the opposite race! i mean i didnt kno people still felt a strong hatred b/c of pigment skin differ? i wont get in2 detail about the several incidents that occured 2 me since ive been here, but i would say people need to get a grip on reality...

[toribaltimore]

Awe shucks... darn... My da-hawg bit me...

What's the worst that can happen if white and black people mix... the kid becomes elected President of the United States of America?

[gumdrop25]

The integrated prom was fantastic!

[jacibrenna]

I'm 19 years old born and raised in Mississippi. My boyfriend is black. Morgan Freeman, you're an angel sent from God.

[toxicshock87]

They are just trying to separate the white women from black men. If it wasn't for that they wouldn't care about the mixing. Parents just don't understand the more you say no, the more they say yes.

[Munroe255]

I just saw the documentary on HBO, sad but very happy at the ending.I do believe our new generation is different when it comes to race. So with that being said lets get " Out with the old and in with the New" Love ya'll Mississippi. New York :-)

[ruusher15]

I just got done watching this documentary and was VERY TOUCHED! I would like to say these kids where very brave, honest and very strong in what they believe in able to bring there classmates together. It was hard to watch and understand what these kids and people go through. It is unfortunate that it took this long for all these kids to come together and enjoy one last big moment in time there lives and i would hope the integrate prom continues.

[jcanno7]

Amen to that --very well said and I couldn't agree more :)

[ruusher15]

I just got done watching this documentary and was VERY TOUCHED! I would like to say these kids where very brave, honest and very strong in what they believe in and able to bring there classmates together. It was hard to watch and understand what these kids and people go through. It is unfortunate that it took this long for all these kids to come together. It is shocking and disgusting that there are grown adults and parents who still have hatred and racism still exists like this.

[2010dabaddest]

Morgan Freeman... come to Selma Alabama... we need this!

[06blackadonis]

Racism is, very, alive and well in MS. It's is saddening and angering to know that whites, and not just whites, and blacks believe in racism. God bless us all

[JayHaze100]

yo this ship is retarded racism is wack ya need to move to New York .NY Native ..i never heard of such nonsense and i've been to several proms with many races it was tha bomb diggy.

[honeegrrl]

2009 and they're still ignorant asses who still think that races should not mix. So f-ckin stupid (excuse my french)

[DG3744]

its true that place will never change!! mississippi burning is a god movgie because thats how it really is! And still is today!

[lindsey2021]

these are very good kids from a small town. they arent like kids up here, all grown and fast. the kids actually were dressed decent at their prom and not like club attire like they do up here. i saw no skanks. these kids deserve a chance. there should be a law where the state can take the child away from racist parents. it should be child abuse. i was shocked when i saw this. a still segregated school. there is no more seperate but equal.

[raeganan]

i have lived in mississippi all my life and graduated from high school in a small town in southern mississippi. we never had anything seperate and this was 16 years ago. we did everything together as a class. it hurts me to know this still goes on and gives us a bad name we mississippians are not all like this.

[hollabackbitch83]

nah whites divided this town not black yall sepreated us

[CapnMackn]

I watched this documentary and was fuckin shocked why and how this was going on.. I'm a 26 yr old white male and are offended how people to this day are so ignorant.... I embrace all races... Morgan Freeman is a saint... Thank u for making changes whether they be big or small

[shybaby108]

pure ignorance people can be so stupid... over a damn prom?? man... whats the world comming to? OBAMA!!

[mzquishadoitbig]

well i live in fayette,missippi and arubd here every one cools we all go to the same prom and we all love one another

[tpmh37]

I just want to state that I'm from Mississippi and graduated in '88 and I have never known there were seperate proms for the whites and blacks. This shocks me.

[zoemayne]

aww i just found out about this and i missed it!

[pickles1314]

I saw this at the Memphis film festival a few months ago. I'd highly recommend seeing it, I live in Mississippi and even I had no idea that proms were still segregated in portions of the state.

[dream91956]

damn shame

[dream91956]

I can't believe that this is still going on in this day and time

[piano10192]

man, i just canceled HBO too... will this be online? i really wanna see it!

[zee339]

even strom thurman liked dark meat

[RichardZERO]

Seriosuly, if you can't find a better reason to hate someone other than the color of their skin, you ain't looking.

I mean, at least the Jews and Muslims are killing each other over something they can control. Hating someone based on the color of their skin is just plain stupid.... at least those religous folk are smart enough to be ignorant.

[Ekalavya]

lol DAMN MISSISSIPPI YOU SCARY!

but i wonder which prom the other non white/black students attend...

[vviivvaappxxnnddxx]

really?

[Morgy09]

That's what I'm saying. Is Charleston, MS some dichotomous town straight out of 1949?

Do they only have brown and peach people? lol

[dehjavoo]

their were probably no non white black students i mean its mississippi for crying out loud i dont see any asians their

[kbradford42]

My family is from that town, my mother went to that high school...trust me only blacks and whites live there...

[pucksdad]

as a mississippian, i feel the need to respond to this sort of post. miss has always been an explicit version of what is implicit nationally. that is, racist attitudes in miss. have been little different than those in other places. miss just didn't hide them. read richard wright, who left miss. for chicago under the impression that things would be different. he found few changes and more of a silent or understood racism. miss. simply made known what was assumed or implied in the north.

[MsSupernjs]

You are absolutely correct.

I am a white woman who lived in PA most of her life but now live in TN. The racism of the South seems to be at a deeper level but racism is everywhere in this country & the entire world. I can't understand it as I was not raised with those values or lack of. My friends are a very diverse group & my partner is not caucasian. Each time we talk about the issue of race, each time someone makes a movie such as this, we open more doors ....but we have lifetimes to go.

[wildpeachatl737]

Every time I contemplate cancelling HBO, they come along with something great. Looking forward to catching this show, the documentaries are always stellar.

Unbelievable that even after we elected President of African origin, we still have such attitudes alive and well in America. God bless Morgan Freeman!

[BlackComedyZone]

I heard something about this prom back during the time when the Jena 6 was a hot news topic. I'm glad HBO is shedding light on the unbelievable truth that segregation still exists in 2009.

[Smartassawhip]

Unfortunately I do not subscribe to cable so unless this ends up being posted online somewhere I will miss out... I heard about this before though... and thought WTF? I was surprised it was still something that was going on in the USA. I love Morgan Freeman..

[spntaneuscombustion]

wow

[Larry477]

only in the south.

[bmbovina1991]

lame

[piano10192]

why is it lame?